gollytim

Watched with my 92-YO Mom expecting a 'chick flick' . Don't want to rehash points other reviewers have made. Excellent. There was no murder in the novel. I think adding it to the film made it a 'noir' film of 1940's style and broadened the audience base. Technique reminded me of "Sunset Blvd" where film opened with murder and went backwards to unfold story leading up to the murder. Liked that Joan Crawford's character was 'nice', sometimes smiled, and Crawford was very striking in contrast to what we think of her "Mommie Dearest" persona. Jack Carson was a little different in that while his character was typically affable, character was a bit of a 'heel'. Great cast including some uncredited types like Butterfly McQueen (really cute and nice) and James Flavin as police (surprised?) Nice that Joan Crawford won an award. She deserved it. Worth watching at least once and then studying it as to techniques (sp?)

From a March 16, 19985 article in the "Irish Echo", Maureen O'Hara confirms that the film was indeed a 'family affair' and condition that the trilogy (or at least "Rio Grande") was a requisite in being allowed to do this film. It's well-known that John Wayne's kids had bit parts in the film. The guy on the deathbed was John Ford's elder brother. Maureen's brother Charlie played th IRA man an the other brother Jimmy played the young priest. Barry Fitzgerald's brother played the part of the vicar. Film is an 'institution'. I'm told that some Irish were offended that the film made them appear to be 'simple', but most that I'm acquainted with seem to be endeared to the film. I never knew of the Ken Curtis connection. Feel I know the script in and out, but still immensely enjoy watching the film anytime I can. A MUST SEE!

My Mom took me to see the movies when it was in first-run. I was probably about 7 yrs. old at the time. Starting at the point where Will pulled out his book to prove to Mr. McKinney that he could read, I roared laughing, to the point I was afraid I'd be thrown out of the theater. Andy read a story about "a boy named Tony who wanted a pony", like on a first or second-grade level. The actors had chemistry. Don Knotts later joined Andy in the "Andy Griffith Show". Baby-boomers will pleasantly recognize the many character actors that later showed up in TV shows. Movie was innocent and done very well. It's kind of a brilliant version of "Gomer Pyle". It's also one of the few movies that I can watch over and over and over and still laugh. Disappointing that they don't seem to air this classic on TV for the benefit of the younger people. TOTALLY Family Friendly. Favorite Movie (along with "The Quiet Man").